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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 205, 16 December 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

Mr. Hall seems bent upon distinguishing himself, and that, too, in a most astonishing manner. Not content with disturbing honest landowners’ repose by talking about all sorts of inquisitorial Acts to their detriment, but he must also propose that “ in the opinion of this Council (that is, we suppose, this Assembly) it is desirable that a copy of a work entitled ‘ The New Zealand J.P., edited by His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, should be supplied to each J.P. for the colony.” A very bright idea certainly ! We apprehend that, if it’s fair to judge from the tremendous number of J.P.’s in this Province, that class of gentry must be in such numbers throughout the Island that if they go on increasing at the same rate, in order to supply them all with a copy of the highly enlightening book referred to, at the public expense, it would be necessary to get the Imperial Government to guarantee another million loan to meet the above item.

We don’t see why J.P.’s should he educated at the Public charge. Nine-tenths of them are not wanted at all, and the remaining tenth must do as they do in other countries, endeavor, as best they may, to fit themselves for their post; otherwise their ignorance may get them into serious trouble. We agree to every District or Kesident Magistrate’s Court being provided with one of Mr. Justice Johnston,’s books for general reading, but no more. It is to be hoped tnat some able member will so efiectually oppose this resolution of Mr. Hall’s, that it will come to grief.